Cherry blossoms paint La Paz with magical color

The city of La Paz in Itapúa is preparing to welcome tourists with a vibrant agenda of activities to celebrate the start of its cherry blossom season. The annual bloom transforms the city, drawing visitors who come for the ephemeral beauty of the Sakura trees and the unique photographic opportunities they provide.

The Municipalidad de La Paz has opened the Paseo Turístico Natural del Cerezo en Flor, allowing visitors to experience the picturesque landscapes created by the blooming trees. This long weekend, June 20-21, kicked off the festivities with a gastronomic and artisan fair. Organizers noted that while the blooming has just begun, the park is accessible to visitors eager to witness the spectacle.

Festivities are scheduled to continue over two more weekends. Musical groups are expected to perform on Sundays, June 28 and July 5. The weekend of June 27-28 will feature a special fair dedicated to traditional Japanese cuisine, according to Nilda Socheler, president of the Commission of Artisans.

The Paseo Natural del Cerezo en Flor is located within the grounds of the Asociación Japonesa de La Paz, where the first cherry trees were planted in homage to Japanese immigrants in 1958. The trees, adapted to the local climate, typically bloom after the first cold spells between June and July. The peak flowering period lasts only 15 to 20 days, making timely visits crucial. Additionally, cherry trees planted four years ago along Avenida Los Inmigrantes are now also blooming, promising a significant visual display in the city center, though their bloom is expected to be shorter-lived than the older trees.